Nov 272008
- Will the unnatural fluctuation in water levels damage loon nesting grounds, and wetlands.
YES! – Unlike existing fluctuations which follow seasonal patterns, increased variability and frequency of water level changes would cause waterfowl nesting grounds to be flooded and/or left high and dry, limiting chances for birds to successfully reproduce.Damage would occur to wetlands through disruption of natural seasonal patterns, and through unnatural flood and drought cycles.
While the proponent has committed to following The Muskoka Water Management Plan, during the summer months this allows daily fluctuations for the water level in Lake Muskoka of over 9 inches! – and this is the “Normal Operating Zone”. During other times of the year, much larger fluctuations are allowed. For example, in December a fluctuation of over 18 inches is allowed (this would make snowmobiling very dangerous). And these are the Normal Operating Zones. The high and low water operating zones are even more broad.
- How will the Walleye spawning beds be affected? NEGATIVELY! – Local clubs and Ministry of Natural Resources officials confirm that spawning beds are present directly in the path of the tailrace (the outflow) of the proposed powerhouse. This construction phase of this project would completely destroy the Moon River Walleye spawning beds (a huge coffer dam needs to be constructed there and would result in that entire area being dry to the riverbed so the power station can be built).
Swift River stubbornly denies the existence of these Walleye spawning beds (well, they would certainly prove this after they were finished!). - Is this an environmentally friendly project?
NO! – While hydro-electric power is a wonderful source of electricity, it would require a massive concrete cube of an industrial facility in the middle of a tourist destination. It would destroys Bala’s main natural attraction and the marine environment surrounding it. The requirement to blast through the Precambrian Shield will destroy a place of natural beauty and historic significance.